Ludhiana, March 4
The Ludhiana Municipal Corporation (MC) is in a dilemma whether to go ahead with its anti-encroachment drive, which is to start from tomorrow. The main problem which the civic body is facing is the non-availability of police personnel as they are busy with election duty due to the counting of votes on Tuesday.

Following the orders of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the MC was to start the anti-encroachment drive from tomorrow, but if it fails to get the appropriate number of police personnel, the drive would have to be postponed. The drive would be carried out to clear around 2,500 illegal encroachments that violate the PUDA Act.

The MC is to start the drive from the Jalandhar bypass, which falls in zone A of the civic body. Sources said the MC had demanded 70 police personnel, including women police personnel, an anti-riot team, a Vajra vehicle and tear gas shells. “But as the counting of votes for the state Assembly elections is to be held the very next day, the district police might not be able to provide so many personnel. The police department has said that it can only spare around 10 personnel, including five women. So, until we get an adequate number of police force, the drive might have to be postponed. We have made all arrangements and will decide tomorrow morning,” the sources said.

The MC has a police force of 55 personnel, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police, an Inspector, two Sub-Inspectors, and eight Assistant Sub-Inspectors.

“Out of 55 personnel, around 20 are posted as gunmen with MC officials or are on security duty at MC buildings. Tomorrow we may be able to gather a police force of only around 40, including personnel spared by the district police,” said a police officer posted in the MC.

Drive as per plan

We are not getting the required police force, but we will not cancel or postpone the drive. The MC will remove only those violations that have come up after 1995. All violations that exist within five metres of the road and are violative of the PUDA Act, will be removed. We will calculate the distance from the road. A service lane is part of the
road.

Ludhiana, March 4
In what took city residents by surprise, a group of people broke out in a sudden dance, piquing the interest of onlookers.

It was at about 5 pm when the “flash mob” started dancing in the main market of Sarabha Nagar for about 10 minutes.

This was the second such event in the city, but first time in the open.

People of all ages and from different walks of life let their hair loose as they performed impromptu on various songs, including Desi Girl, Desi Boys, Senorita and Jai Ho.

They had come together only three-four days ago as the word spread and they decided to have some fun.

Some participants were enrolled with a dance academy. Alice Bachy, a French national pursuing sociology at the PAU under a student exchange programme, was elated to be a part of the group.

“I wanted to learn dancing, so when I came to know about this event, I was excited,” she said. “I have participated in a flash mob once before in France, but it was more fun here,” she added.

Iqbal Singh Gill, a 66-year-old retired Army officer, said it was great fun to be part of the dance. It was fun to learn dance moves over a period of a few days. He participated in the event along with his wife.

Another PAU student from Vietnam, Levan, pursuing an MSc degree, said it was exhilarating to watch the “mob” perform.

Harjinder Kukreja, another participant, said the “flash mob” was a new phenomenon in the city and suddenly changed the atmosphere into a celebration.

Vineet, a resident of Rishi Nagar, said it seemed like they were on the streets of France as they had not seen any such thing here before.

Ludhiana, March 4
The city will finally be relieved of some air pollution as Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL) has laid its pipeline up to Ludhiana. Captive power generating sets can also be run on gas now. Various sectors of the industry like dyeing, forging, woollen mills, cycle and textile can make use of the gas.

The industry will be supplied gas which is imported. At present, GAIL is importing gas in liquid form from Qatar. The indigenous gas is earmarked for power generation in the public sector and fertiliser plants. Gas to the industry will be supplied at a uniform price across the country, except the local tax, and will be priced with reference to the furnace oil index. Gas will be marginally cheaper than the furnace oil.

GAIL team lead by its zonal in charge Sanjay Arora held an interactive session with representatives of the industry and explained the availability of the gas for industrial use.

The price, guarantee of availability, changes in volume of use due to unforeseen circumstances and major expansion in gas requirement were also discussed.

The Central Pollution Control Board has identified 126 cities in the country as the most polluted and Ludhiana is one of them. Hence, the city is on the priority list of GAIL to supply the gas.

PD Sharma, president of the Apex Chamber of Commerce and Industry, suggested that due to a peculiar working pattern of the Punjab industry, which is dominated by MSME sectors, GAIL should know the ground realities.

In the event of obstruction of gas supply, the industry will be able to run on alternative fuels. GAIL will charge fortnightly for the gas.

The gas pipeline starts from Gujarat and has covered Ludhiana. The process to cover Jalandhar and Amritsar is in progress.

Ludhiana, March 4
An unemployed nephew of UK-based NRI Arun Kumar Bawa was the one who abducted him last year in April and usurped his property worth crores of rupees. The NRI was reportedly made a captive in an apartment for a month.

The matter came to the fore when the police recently initiated a probe into the case. It found that Rupinder Singh, Sukhwinder Singh, Kuldeep Singh and Pankaj Kumar Bawa, residents of Bikhi Khatra, Ceelo village and Deep Nagar, respectively, had abducted the NRI and usurped a 400 sq yard plot.

The accused were arrested from outside a mall at the Ferozepur road while they were trying to flee. Arun Bawa, cousin of Congress leader Krishan Kumar Bawa, was confined to an apartment for nearly a month and given food laced with sedatives.

The complainant told the police that the accused abducted him while he was travelling in an autorickshaw. The accused sat with him in the autorickshaw and overpowered him. The driver was told to stop and Arun was shifted to an SUV, which the accused had hired to ferry the victim.

He was first taken to Bhutta village and then kept in an apartment at BRS Nagar. He was made to sign blank cheques and property documents. The accused had withdrawn nearly Rs 10 lakh from his account through two transactions.

On May 7, they left him at Sessions Chowk and fled. On May 9, Arun returned to the UK after lodging a complaint. For nearly a year, the police kept dilly-dallying the probe. Last month the probe was handed over to ACP Swapan Sharma and following an inquiry, a case was registered against the accused.

It has also come to light that the accused have sold half of the property located near Guru Nanak Stadium for Rs 1.5 crore and and bought a piece of land near Rara Sahib.

Accused an ex-serviceman

One of the accused, Rupinder Singh Rimpa, is an ex-serviceman. He had served in the Army for five years. The other accused Sukhwinder Singh and Kuldeep Singh have worked as bouncers in hotels and malls. Pankaj Kumar Bawa is a drug addict.

Ludhiana, March 4
Platinum has always been popular among high-end jewellery buyers. But with gold prices skyrocketing over the past two years, retail buyers have also started showing interest in the metal.

Also, the rare metal, which used to be more expensive than gold, is now cheaper than the yellow metal. Till 2009, platinum was costlier than gold. In 2011, both the metals stood at the same price ($1,882). Platinum prices have largely stayed unchanged in India.

“Earlier platinum use to be a rare metal, but today with the prices of gold skyrocketing, platinum has also become affordable. Platinum is considered a precious and hi-end metal, so in the present scenario when gold and platinum are priced equally, buying platinum is a better option,” said Shveta, a bank employee.

People are keen on investing in platinum. Right now it is the form of jewellery, but soon will be available in the form of coins as well, said Ram Parkash, a jeweller at Ghumar Mandi.

The good part about platinum is that despite being an upcoming segment, hallmarking is already in place for this metal. The Platinum Guild has authorised jewellers to sell hallmarked platinum. One can identify it with the “PT950” mark. Then there is a third-party authentication by Underwriters Laboratories, which gives the purity card, also called the UL card.

“There was a time when only few buyers used to ask for platinum. Only the crème of society used to wear platinum, which was also called a sophisticated metal. But with the price of gold soaring, even the upper middle class is going in for this metal,” said Vishvas Sood, another jeweller.

“Why not go for platinum when it available at the same rate as gold? I bought my daughter a set of platinum in addition to a gold set during her wedding. Gold is a part of our tradition and cannot be done away with, but slowly platinum is creating a place for itself,” remarked Suman, a homemaker from Aggar Nagar.

Ludhiana, March 4
The audit department has censured the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) for excess payment of house rent allowance (HRA) and its arrears to the tune of Rs 23 lakh during the financial year 2010-11 in contravention of the instructions of the state government.

A copy of the audit report of GLADA for 2010-11 obtained by an RTI activist reveals that the audit department has raised an objection to the irregular payment of Rs 23 lakh.

The report said the government had issued instructions in 1999 that allowances payable to the public sector undertakings should not exceed those paid by the government to its employees. “However, PUDA, in its meeting held on November 16, 2006, decided to pay HRA at a higher rate to its employees than that of their counterparts serving in the government”.

The report noted that GLADA had paid Rs 18,68,607 at the rate of 25 per cent as HRA to its employees as against Rs 14,94,886 (at the rate of 20 per cent) being paid to employees of the Punjab Government, resulting in an excess payment of Rs 3,73,721. Also, HRA arrears worth Rs 19,25,781 were paid at an enhanced rate.

Ludhiana, March 4
Violet and purple petunias, large yellow, pink and red dahlias, small yellow
branchycome, yellow namesras painted the lawns with a riot of colour. The flower show and painting competitions at Gurdwara Singh Sabha attracted a large number of residents from different parts of the city.

Mohinder Singh Grewal, convener of the show, said more than 1,000 residents, mostly children participated in the painting competition and they received an equal number of participants for the flower show in different categories.

The theme of the painting competition was environment. More than 50 categories of flowers were displayed at the
gurdwara.

The event was one of its kind as it was for the first time that a gurdwara invited participation from residents in order to encourage them to save environment by planting
saplings.

Grewal said such initiatives by religious organisations could go a long way in creating awareness about social problems. Jatinder Singh Sandhu said a cycle rally would be taken out on March 14. Pritam Singh
Khalsa, a cyclist who has set a record and won many prizes in international-level competitions, gave away prizes. A bicycle was given to the first prize winner of the painting
competition.

Vineeta Adya, a resident of South City, who participated in the flower show, said such initiatives encouraged residents to become environment conscious. Gurmukh Singh and Babbu Gill, who won in bonsai and group flower decorations event, lauded the initiative.

Jagraon, March 4
The College Road here is in a bad shape. Though the local municipal council has laid interlocking tiles on a portion of the road, the remaining stretch needs to be re-carpeted.

Residents said the municipal council had stopped the work of fixing interlocking tiles on the road ahead of the elections stating that the work would be completed after the election process was over. But the MC has not resumed the work till now.

“Every second day, commuters meet with accidents on the stretch. Yesterday, a youth riding motorcycle sustained injuries when he lost control over the bike,” said Neeraj Gupta, a shopkeeper on the College Road.

Moreover, a large number of students commute on the road everyday. The college authorities have requested the authorities to get the work completed soon.

The residents said they had reminded the local municipal council president, Baldev Krishan Dhir, about his promise of resuming the work after the elections, but nothing has been done in this direction.

“We have approached the local municipal council authorities a number of times and requested them to restart the work of laying interlocking tiles on the remaining part of the road but all our requests seem to have fallen on deaf ears,” said Ravinder Rana, a resident.

Municipal council president Baldev Krishan Dhir assured of doing the needful.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, March 4
Terming hepatitis a “silent killer group of ailments”, physicians of the area have called upon office-bearers of various social, educational and other organisations to educate people about the causes and consequences of the dreaded disease.

A seminar on “Detection, Cure and Causes of Hepatitis” was organised by the local unit of Indian Medical Association at Hind Hospital here on Saturday evening.

Laying emphasis on early detection and efficacious treatment of hepatitis, Dr Nirmaljit Singh Mahli, a senior consultant and coordinator in gastroenterology, said there were at least 400 million carriers of hepatitis virus in the sub-continent and if liver disorders were allowed to go unchecked, the virus would emerge as the worst killer among humans in years to come.

Appreciating the initiative taken by the host organisation to create awareness about epidemiology and cure of hepatitis B and C, Dr Mahli divulged that a large number of persons showing positive test for the ailment came from the more aware strata even.

He apprehended that the frequency would be much higher in members of the lower strata, including slum-dwellers and migrants.

Terming loss of appetite, weight and general weakness as preliminary symptoms of the two diseases, Dr Mahli suggested that practising physicians should get tests like “Elisa”, “RIBA” and “PCR” done.

Though casual contact with the reservoir did not cause infection, unsafe sex, dental and oral surgeries were the major factors for the spread of the deceases. HIV and alcoholism were complimentary to hepatitis, he claimed.

The consultant elaborated on various stages, methods of viral eradication and modern therapies.

Speaking on minimal access surgery, Dr Arindam Ghosh, surgical gastroenterological bariatric surgeon, said the technique had been developed for the benefit of patients.

He said surgical methods had changed long back. “Gone are the days when a surgeon used to be recognised by his adeptness at making incision. Things have changed now,” added Dr Ghosh.

Ludhiana, March 4
The All-India Working Women Forum-AITUC, Ludhiana, and Punjab Istri Sabha in collaboration with the Indian Medical Association, Ludhiana, celebrated International Women’s Day at Shaiwal Public School, Chand Colony, Rishi Nagar, here today.

The day was celebrated by organising a check-up camp. More than 200 patients were examined at the camp.

Ludhiana, March 4
“Art can flourish only if it is given encouragement. Without appreciation and encouragement, art has no value. But such encouragement by the government or administration seems to be missing, as there is no art gallery in the city,” said an artist.

Most of art aficionados, artists in the city echo these feelings as they said there must be a dedicated art gallery in the city.

“Although, a couple of private art galleries are there, but there is no state or government sponsored art gallery in the city,” said the artist.

“We Ludhianvis are not known for our sense of aesthetics and art, but budding artists want to change this perception and make the city as the centre of art and culture. The government should take steps to develop a good art gallery,” said Harpreet, a city-based artist.

Amita Gupta, another city-based artist, said there had been a lot of change in the art scene in the city over the past few years.

“If there are good art galleries in the city, it will definitely promote art and artists. In Delhi also, there are private art galleries, but original art in the city is beginning to grow and it needs encouragement to flourish,” she said.

Ranjodh Singh, president of the Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi, said there was hardly any place to hold any art exhibition.

“Art gallery is a must here, it will give a platform to budding artists to showcase their work,” he said.

“It will also go a long way in channelising the
energy of youth and save them from unhealthy distractions like drug-abuse,” he said.

Heera Singh Gabria, Minister of Cultural Affairs and Tourism, said the government had already shortlisted a few sites, including Punjabi Bhawan for art gallery, in consultation with the art council of the state, but they would expedite the process when they come to power again.

Ludhiana, March 4
Rehmat Kaur secured the first position in an on-the-spot painting competition organised by the Ludhiana municipal corporation today. Mehak Preet Kaur stood second. The two-day flower show and baby show organised by the civic body ended at Nehru Rose Garden here today. A total of 1,612 entries were received, which included city residents, schools and colleges, government and private institutions.

After a gap of several years, the events were organised by the civic body last year. The MC had received around 600 entries last year, while this year, a total of 1,612 entries were received in the two-day competition. A total of 1,284 entries were received on the first day.

MC landscaping officer Surinder Kumar said Verka Milk Plant won the maximum number of prizes among government institutions taking part in the competition, while Ireo Water Front Pvt Ltd, War Memorial, Techno Care Nursery and Landscape also won several prizes in different categories.

“In amateur section, Sudesh Patial, Shivali, Kulbir Kaur, Karan Setia and Ritu Chadha won prizes. Among other schools and colleges, Delhi Public School, GHGH College of Education, Sidhwan and KVM School won prizes. The first prizes in the baby show were won by Gauri Akshita, Harvir Singh, Manpreet Kaur and Mohammad Akram,” said Surinder Kumar.

MC Commissioner Malwinder Singh Jaggi said a total of 202 prizes were distributed in the competition, which included 101 first and 101 second prizes. “I am thankful to city residents for making the show a success,” said Jaggi.

Raminder Singh, secretary of the local bodies department, gave away prizes to winners.

Even as the number of road accidents, many of them fatal, keeps going up in the mega city with each passing day, there is no dearth of the "devil may care" type of motorists and two-wheeler drivers who drive on the roads in utter disregard to the traffic rules. The other day, a young woman was driving a scooter in a busy commercial area holding the vehicle precariously with one hand while with the other hand she was holding a cell phone to her ear. As if flouting one traffic law (using mobile while driving) was not enough, a toddler was standing in the foot area of the running scooter, and also fiddling with the brake levers. The poor woman seemed to be oblivious to the fact that she was not only putting her own and the child's life in peril but also posing a potential danger to other road users.

Residents and shopkeepers of a prime commercial hub in the old city - Bhadaur House are a neglected lot, and they have been suffering for the last more than two years due to the ongoing work for down ramp of the flyover in place of the erstwhile Lakkar Pul (foot over bridge) which is still incomplete after missing several dead lines. Since a major part of the road on the stretch from Deepak Cinema Road to Mata Rani Chowk has gone into supporting the pillars on which the bridge stands, the traffic on the remaining part of the road hardly moves at all. The situation is further compounded by the three wheelers, pick -up vans and other vehicles either parked or loading or unloading goods at the AC Market. Even after the work of the down ramp has been completed, the construction agency or the civic body has not cared to clear the area under the pillars, and repair the available width of the road to facilitate easy flow of traffic. Not only this, the problematic stretch of the road needs regulatory measures like "one way traffic" to bring some sense of order. Are there any takers?

Love's labour lost

A wife thought of surprising her husband with a scrumptious dish on an afternoon. She prepared a delicious butter "paneer" with steaming hot "paranthas". The husband relished it and was completely taken in by the sweet gesture of his wife. In the evening, the husband asked his wife about the recipe of the dish and she candidly told him that it was a ready to eat dish, which she has prepared for him but had given her own touch to it by adding some spices and garnishing. To this the husband quickly replied that he thought his wife has prepared the dish all by her herself by chopping and cooking each and every ingredient but it was just a ready to eat dish where she had very little to do. Poor wife who had prepared the dish with so much love now thought her love's labour was all lost.

Wish on every birthday

This year is a Leap year as February has 29 days. To know as to how many deliveries took place on this particular day I was making calls to the gynecology ward of different hospitals. In one hospital when I called up one grandmother of a newly born baby said, "Why are you asking me about my new grand daughter's birth". Will you ring me up every year on her birthday and say happy birthday to her, if so then it is alright, I am ready to give the information." In order to collect the information I was left with no option than to say, "Yes I will".

Ludhiana, March 4
The Gift of Life Organ Donation Awareness Society (GLODAS-INDIA) in its endeavour to educate public and promote awareness of organ donation after brain death will be conducting series of seminars and events in March. These lectures will start tomorrow.

Dr BS Aulakh, president, GLODAS, prof of urology and transplant surgery, DMCandH, Ludhiana, and President-elect of urological society INDIA-NZ said, " March is the world kidney month and World Kidney Day celebrations fall in this month.

Now objective is that since the number of kidney failure patients is much more than the number of kidney donors, hence there is tremendous need for making people aware about brain death and who can donate organs after death.

One million people suffer from CKD and only 3,000-4,000 are the lucky few who manage to find a donor." GLODAS India - comprising 25 residents are contributing for the amelioration of the society by creating an example for others to follow and become aware on the issue.

Ludhiana: “Barbies and Brats”, a fashion-cum-talent show, was organised at Cherubs Pre-school’s premises here on Sunday. There were participants from the age of six months to five years. There was lot of excitement and exuberance. Beautifully dressed toddlers and kids walked the ramp with their mothers. Dr. Vinu Kumar and Ravneet Baidwan were the judges of the show. Every participant received a participation certificate. Overall, it was a wonderful show. Ruchika Arora, founder of the school, also shared some of her thoughts. She remarked that, "The main motive for organising this event was to build up confidence in young children and toddlers. We were surprised with the response we received from the people."

Winners

Six months to one year
Stylish baby: Samarveer;

Charming smile: Dhruvin;

Active baby: Daisha Sethi.
One to two years

Stylish baby: Aarav Bhatia;

Charming smile: Jeenal Gupta;

Active baby: Ahana..
Two to three years

Stylish Baby :Sanan;

Confident child: Shinedeep;

Active baby: Yasvi.

Three to four years

Stylish baby: Gursirat;

Confident child: Anhadpreet;
Four to five years

Stylish baby: Havish;

Confident child: Anhadjot;
Crowning personality: Vanya;

Miss Barbie: Sanan arora;

Mr Brat: Agamveer.

Talent show winners: first prize: Havish, second prize : Agamveer and third prize: Kanav and Jyanna.

Students felicitated

Mandi Ahmedgarh: At least 200 students of Shri Guru Har Krishan Senior Secondary Schoo,l Phallewal, who achieved distinguished position in academics and extra-curricular activities during the year were felicitated at the Annual Jollification function organised at Phallewal village near here on Sunday.

Sukhdev Singh Walia presided over the function, while Labh Singh Ahluwalia, chairman of the Trust, was the chief guest. Gurbachan Singh Garry , an NRI from USA gave away the prizes to the outstanding performers. Speakers including Walia, Ahluwalia, Ritu Thakur and Saroj Rani Sharma called upon the students to adopt studies as a way of life.

They claimed that elements acquired during formal schooling would inculcate leadership and administrative qualities among students besides enhancing their knowledge. An elaborate cultural programme was presented on the occasion during which the performers spread awareness about adverse effects of social evils, including dowry, illiteracy and female foeticide. Spectators, including parents of students and office-bearers of various organizations, appreciated the contribution of the organisation towards improving the level of knowledge of students from rural areas.

National Science Day at DCE

Doraha: The National Science Day and World Math’s Day was celebrated at the Doraha College of Education. Dr. Sandeeep Sawhney, principal, Doraha College of Education, was the chief guest of the day. The day started after seeking blessing of God by reciting holy shabad. Science students presented a PowerPoint presentation on the “History of Science”. Students, who also presented an article on the “Impact of Science in the Welfare of Mankind”, asked Science riddles. The students also presented various scientific thoughts by eminent scientist and asked thought-provoking questions in the form of science quiz. History of maths was explained. A skit showing value of numbers in our lives was organized. Prizes were distributed to the winners. Dr. Sawhney appreciated the hardwork and efforts of the students.

Khalsa team emerge winners in kabaddi

Raikot: Kabaddi teams of the Khalsa College for Women, Sidhwan Khurd, and Swami Ganga Giri Janta College for Women, emerged winners and runner-up during the Dheeraj Kaura Memorial Inter-College Women Kabaddi tournament that concluded here on Saturday.

Amarjit Kaur and Sarabjit Kaur were declared best raider and best stopper respectively.

Ludhiana, March 4
The appellate authority of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) in a significant decision has ruled out that an applicant is entitled to get refund if more than specified time is taken in giving the information.

In an appeal filed with the Chief Engineer, Central Zone, PSPCL, Ludhiana-cum-Appellate Authority under the RTI Act, Rohit Sabharwal, president, Council of RTI Activists, submitted that he had filed an application seeking certain information about the faulty/burnt energy meters with the Public Information Officers of the City (West) and City (East) circles on October 5, 2011. An amount of Rs 1,050 was deposited as the cost of information as demanded by the offices.

According to the applicant, the information was provided to him on January 17, 2012, almost three-and-half month after submission of his application.

Representatives appearing on behalf of the PIOs of the City (East) and City (West) circles pleaded that information demanded by the applicant had been collected from various field offices in the city and was sent to the applicant on time. But on his request, the consolidated information was again provided to him on January 17, 2012.

Disposing of the appeal, the Appellate Authority observed that having considered the statements of both parties, it can be concluded that so far as the information is considered, it stands supplied to the applicant satisfactorily. Regarding the delay in supplying the information, the Appellate Authority does not agree with the statement of the representatives of the PIO as the time taken is more than that has been specified in the Act. The amount deposited by the applicant (Rs 1050 in this case) for the information be refunded.

Mandi Ahmedgarh/ Payal, March 4
Taking cognizance of reports on rise in accidents on highways and roads passing through this region, the police has began the process of identifying vulnerable areas, so that observations could be used for taking measures for preventing mishaps in future.

The police has called upon people to help it in preventing vehicular accidents and rescuing victims. Though the project is yet to be implemented in Khanna and Ludhiana police circle, it is likely to be extended in Punjab.

Investigations by The Tribune revealed that beat officers posted at Payal, Malaudh, Sihar, Dehlon and Bija had been advised to identify accident-prone areas in their respective jurisdiction.

Comprehensive reports will be prepared and forwarded to departments like the PWD (Roads and Bridges) and civic bodies for necessary action at their end.

Appreciating steps taken by initiative taken by Malaudh SHO Ashok Sharma and Doraha SHO Harinder Singh in identifying accident-prone areas falling under their jurisdiction, Khanna SSP Mandeep Singh Sidhu said in charges of all police stations and posts had been directed to prepare comprehensive reports in this regard.

“We will discuss findings of our officers with experts in road safety. Besides making this data available on GPRS system and apprise PWD officials of observations made by them,” Sidhu added.

Appreciating the role played by a few cops and volunteers of the Punjab Police State Apex Committee for Community Policing and First Aid in saving lives of a few people, Sidhu said the cops had been advised to seek the help of social activists and volunteers during road accidents.”

Roads passing through this region had virtually turned into death traps due to alleged defective construction and lackadaisical attitude of a few officials. The Tribune published a series of stories on the issue.

Ludhiana, March 4
After a local resident approached the Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC) regarding failure of the district administration to lift the heaps of garbage lying in front of various schools and colleges, the PSHRC has taken prima facie cognizance of the matter and sought a report in this regard from the Deputy Commissioner.

Varinder Singh, an RTI activist, had in a complaint lodged with the PSHRC, stated that the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation wasn’t doing anything to check the menace.

The PSHRC order reads, “The complainant, who claimed himself to be a social worker, has highlighted that the heaps of garbage was lying in front of schools and colleges. He has also given the list schools and colleges where such heaps were noticed by him. The complainant has alleged that his requests remained unheard despite repeated attempts.” “On consideration of the facts as mentioned in the complaint, the commission prima facie takes cognizance of the matter, and seeks a report from Deputy Commissioner, Ludhiana, under Section 17 (I) of the Protection of Human Rights Act 1993 before the next date of hearing. Copy of the order along with copy of the complaint has been sent to the authorities for necessary action. Hearing adjourned till April 24,” reads the Punjab State Human Rights Commission’s order.

Ludhiana, March 4
Gone are the days when women were pampered during their pregnancy, going to their parents’ home or taking long leaves from work. Now they trend seems to have changed with the increase in the products, that aimed at making life easier for both women and babies. before and after the birth during the delicate period of their lives. As a result of this increasing trend, the products for mothers, mothers-to-be and newborns, those were unseen in the country before.

Stores focusing on pre and postnatal care for mothers and babies are being opened in the city. Apart from the national retail chains, local players are now jumping into the bandwagon cash in on the "newly-discovered" market.

There are ranges of the products in the different categories from attires, accessories and toys are available. Right from nursing gowns, maternity dresses, pants with under, mid and high soft belts to feeding pillows, cushions, body pillows are there for picking up. Let alone a variety of feeder bottles, but warmers and sterilisers for these are also easily available. In the final trimester of pregnancy, parents can listen to movement of the foetus through pre-natal listening system. After the birth of the baby, hip seats for supporting the weight of babies and other accessories are available for ease carrying of babies. The mothers can keep tabs on their babies within home while working through a wireless monitor and also hear their sound. A variety of creams, toiletries and feed are also available. Knee pads are also available for little babies, when they start moving on their knees.

"Although some of the products were available in the market yet there have not been enough products to take care of all the stages of pregnancy and for babies. There was a huge need for these to give proper care and safety for both mothers and babies," says Manisha, from a brand outlet at Civil Lines.

Veenu Sood, who opened a new store at Model Town, recently said, "Being a woman, I understand that there is a need for these products for babies and mothers. Although, some stores have been opened in the city but these are out of reach for middle class while Chinese products at other stores are of shoddy quality. Safety and quality of products is paramount for this age, but these have to affordable as well for a wider reach."

Deeksha, a mother of a 6-month-old baby, says, “The products have been of great help both during and after my pregnancy. Even the dresses were readily available.”

Jagraon, March 4
A drug addict caused ruckus in Geeta Colony yesterday night. The youth identified as Gurinder Singh allegedly waylaid a newly married couple of the same locality on their way home after evening walk and started hurling abuses at them.

The couple, however, managed to escape. They told other members of the family about the incident. Meanwhile, the youth reached their house and started shouting.

According to family members of the couple, the youth even threw stones inside their house. They informed the police about the incident. The addict was arrested by
the police.

Ludhiana, March 4
Whatever may be the occasion, children love to eat sweets. Not only guests but parents and teachers also keep offering sweets to children out of love. But, most of the children in the city are suffering from caries.

Dr Abi M Thomas, Principal, Christian Dental College, said, “At least 95 per cent parents don’t ask children to brush their teeth at night. Many of them start giving feeding bottle to children between three and five years. This creates acid inside the mouth. This leads to the weakening of enamel (outer structure of the tooth) and formation of cavity.”

The teeth of a child will get damaged if he keeps on eating chocolates, sweets and any refined carbohydrates like chips. Dr Kanika Jindal, a city-based dental surgeon, said, “I have observed that teeth of children from affluent families aren’t good as they keep frequenting the clinic.”

If tooth falls early it can cause delayed eruption of permanent teeth and other orthodontic problems.

Precautions

Brush your teeth before going to sleep

Eat less chocolates

Encourage children to eat chocolate at one go to avoid acid formation
in mouth.

Ludhiana, March 4
With winter receding, prices of vegetables have started rising once again. Vendors are charging more money as winter vegetables are in short supply.

A sudden rise in the prices of vegetables has once again upset the budget of homemakers. They are trying hard to adjust it. The prices of all vegetables have increased by Rs 5 or Rs 10. Summer vegetables, which have started arriving in the market are priced at Rs 50-80 per kg.

Ludhiana, March 4
The Department of Social Welfare had promised to provide gas stoves to anganwari workers for cooking food in their centres. The department instead of providing gas stoves has stopped funds for purchasing the fuel.

The department provides breakfast and lunch to the toddlers in the anganwari centres. Kheer, halwa, milk, panjeeri and other nutritious food is distributed among children twice a day. Most of these are cooked in the centres daily. Workers are forced to spend money on wood, coal and dung-cakes for cooking food.

Anganwari workers want the department to release the money they had spent from their own pockets.

"We are facing a number of problems. The government is not releasing the funds for the fuel and our other dues. The department had promised to give gas stoves, but we haven't received them as yet,” said Sobha Rani, an anganwari worker.

“The department gives Rs 200 as room rent, if panchayat fails to provide them with a room. The amount is less and no one is willing rent a room to us,” another anganwari worker said. Rupinder Kaur, director of the programme, said, “I have joined recently. I am not aware of it. We will soon start distributing gas stoves.”

Sahnewal, March 4
Sehajpreet Singh Mangat nurtures a poet in his mechanical mind. His engineering line has failed to suppress the literary artist in him who feels intensely for every "little transgression" and "wicked discomfiture" which he as an individual.

In his debut book, “Taarian Jariya Ambar” he has envisioned an ideal society. The poet is fully aware of the wrongs going on in society. He yearns to purge society of its foibles and shortcomings in the most rational and formulative style.

His heart aches when he writes- Ludhiana shehar ne gher liya eh mere saau jiha pind Katani Kalan (Ludhiana city has enveloped my innocent village Katani Kalan). His poem “Suno Mino Suno (hear me)” is voiced by an unborn baby girl who feels suffocated at the thought of her being killed inside the womb and still more at the torments, she has to undergo if shown the light of day. She prefers to die within rather than forced into self-annihilation after her birth. In his poem Nav Umeed (new hope), he hopes for a society where everyone earns by the sweat of his brow, where truth flourishes and falsehood has no place. Sehajpreet is working as an assistant engineer in the PWD department.

Ludhiana, March 4
Two youths scaled the wall of a Gurdwara located in Shimlapuri with intention of stealing money from the donation box.

One of the watchmen of the Gurdwara, who had seen them scaling the wall, alerted the devotees. They laid a trap and nabbed them while they were trying to steal money from the donation box. The accused have been identified as Sunil (17) and Suraj (16), both residents of the Gill Chowk Authorities of the Gurdwara handed over CCTV footage to the police. The duo was arrested later on.

Ludhiana, March 4
Sangram Chowgle from Maharashtra got the better of his opponents and was declared overall champion in the Federation Cup Bodybuilding Championship organised at Guru Nanak Dev Bhawan here late last evening.

At least 280 bodybuilders from all over the country competed in the two-day mega event organised by the Punjab State Amateur Bodybuilding Association, after preliminary rounds, 90 competitors; 10 each in nine weight categories.

Tejinder Singh of Punjab closely followed Sangram and had to content with the second position while Jainder from Delhi finished at third place.

The winners were given Rs 4 lakh cash prize. Former world champion and Padm Shri Prem Chand Degra from Hoshiarpur was also honoured on the occasion. He was presented a purse containing a cash prize of Rs 11 lakh.

Pardeep Bawa, chairman, North Indian Bodybuilding Association, along with Ramesh Bangar, Navneet Singh, Pardeep Appu and Sukhdev Sodhi, all members of the Punjab State Amateur Bodybuilding Association, were present at the prize distribution function.

Ludhiana, March 4
Gagandeep Kaura and Parminder Kaur were adjudged best athletes among boys and girls, respectively, in the 7th edition of the annual athletics meet of the GMT College of Education, Jalandhar bypass, today.

Gagandeep pocketed four gold medals out of six. Parminder Kaur won three out of five titles to stamp their supremacy over others.

Gagandeep romped home victorious in 100m race, long jump, shot put and discus throw. Parminder Kaur proved her class in 200m race, shot put and discus throw to fetch the best athlete award.

Kashmir Singh Thind, president of the institute, declared the meet open. Principal of the college, Dr Shikha Soni, distributed prizes among the winners.